COAS taunts the terrorists

Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Sunday taunted the terrorists. “Inshallah, the day is not far off when our beloved homeland will be an oasis of peace and a seat of learning among the comity of nations,” he said while addressing Shundur Festival in Chitral.

He said the operation Zarb-e-Azb is an endeavour towards achieving lasting peace and the voyage would continue with determination and zeal in the entire country till achievement of objectives.

Terming holding of the festival a happy augury for the promotion of tourism at local as well as international level, the COAS said “rather it’s a message to terrorists that we continue to carry forward our traditions with all courage and boldness.”

He said this “colorful function is an omen of our country’s bright future.”

“Today, we are breathing in a free environment and this is only because of the countless sacrifices rendered by the people and armed forces of the country,” he added.

Referring to the hardships being faced by the people of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, the COAS said he was cognisant of the situation.

During all such trying times, he said, it’s a known fact that Pakistan Army, and Frontier Corps with the help of medical practitioners extend a helping hand to the local populace.

During recent floods, he said, helicopters of Pakistan Army had shifted the injured and marooned people to safer places. Moreover, they established a number of relief camps to help mitigate their sufferings.

The FWO undertook repair works at about 50 points restoring vehicular traffic by rehabilitating important road links.

He made mention of the contributions by the Special Telecommunication Organisation (SCO) in providing uninterrupted telecom facilities.

He appreciated various organisations including local government department for providing relief, rescue and rehabilitation services at the time of natural calamities in the area.

He said armed forces of the country will always be in the forefront to render sacrifices, may it be any natural calamity or defence of the motherland.